Super Falcons player ratings: Alozie, Ajibade versatile; Babajide shows off her flair; Nicole Payne surprise starter 

It ended 1-1 between Nigeria and Ethiopia in the first leg of the 2024 Olympic qualifiers played on Wednesday afternoon at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.

Allnigerisoccer.com runs the rule over the Super Falcons players in action

The starters 

Goalkeeper

Chiamaka Nnadozie: There was nothing she could have done for the goal. She was untested for most of the game as the Ethiopians were restricted to long-range strikes. The Paris FC shot-stopper was mainly restricted to playing poor goal-kicks which were poor. 6/10

Defenders

Michelle Alozie: She showed her versatility by starting as a left-back before she was moved to the right full-back position in the second half. She was lively as usual, accruing a lot of touches but had no impact in the attacking third 7/10

Oluwatosin Demehin: The left full-back was strong in her tackles as usual though mistimed some. She made a vital block in the second half which could have led to a big chance for the host  6.5/10

Akudo Ogonna: The Sunshine Queens defender was also resolute in her defending but misjudged the timing of the ball at times. She needs to be more calm in possession. 6/10

Nicole Payne: Surprise starter at right-back. Had nothing much to do defensively, made some crosses into the penalty area but none led to a chance. Had to be taken off in the second half  5.5/10

Midfielders and strikers

Piece Efih: She started slowly but grew into the game particularly in the second half when she was demanding more of the ball and made some recoveries. 6/10

Toni Payne: Her influence was limited to set pieces for most of the game though her performance in the second half was better. 7/10

Rasheedat Ajibade: Was silent until she popped up for the brilliant strike that led to Nigeria's goal and was hardworking. She did well for a player played in an unnatural position 7.5/10

Asisat Oshoala: Missed a sitter in the first half and created a chance for Monday who couldn't bury the ball behind the back of the net. Another disappointing performance from the Barcelona star 4/10

Gift Monday: Should have done better with the chance created by Oshoala. Besides that, created little impact on the game. 5/10

Uchenna Kanu: She was also harmless to the Ethiopian defence and had to be substituted as the Super Falcons pushed for the winner. 4.5/10

The substitutes

Rofiat Imuran: She was very active down the left flank when she came on and made a case for herself to start the second leg 6/10

Ifeoma Onumonu: Thought she had won the game for Nigeria in stoppage time but saw her fine header  ruled out for offside 5/10

Rinsola Babajide: The debutant gave Nigeria another dimension when she came on as she kept on stretching the Ethiopian with her pace and flair. Good debut from the former Liverpool player. 6.5/10

Opeyemi Ajakaye: It was a quiet debut for the 2005-born forward having come on for Oshoala in the 80th minute 4.5/10

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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